Method and apparatus for machining hardened parts apparatus for machining hardened parts
AssigneeDana Corporation
InventorsRoland C. Smith, James S. Fisher
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for machining a workpiece from a hardened unmachined part includes the use of non-rotating centers in a turning machine, on which the workpiece is mounted. The shape of the dead centers permits less force to be used in support of the workpiece for reducing friction between the rotating workpiece and non-rotating centers, while exerting a maximum amount of radial holding force to reduce runout in the machining operation. Lubrication can be supplied through the dead centers to further reduce friction and/or an anti-friction coating may be applied to the contacting surface of the centers for this purpose. Machining of the hardened part may be controlled by CNC equipment.
Claims10
An apparatus to turn a workpiece for machining of the workpiece to form a finished part, comprising:
- a pair of non-rotating centers for supporting said workpiece along an axis, said centers formed with a curved outer surface over a portion thereof which engages a recess formed in said workpiece,
- said outer surface having an included angle such that said outer surface contacts said recess in a manner which minimizes frictional heating therebetween during machining, and
- means to rotate said workpiece at a speed which allows machining of said workpiece, wherein said non-rotating centers support said workpiece to minimize axial runout during machining thereof.
A method of forming a part by a machining process, comprising the steps of:
- (a) forming a workpiece from a material, said workpiece having two ends with each end including an unmachined recess therein for receiving a non-rotating tool center of a turning machine;
- (b) subjecting said workpiece to a hardening process whereby said material is hardened;
- (c) mounting said workpiece on said tool centers via said recesses, said workpiece being rotatable with respect to said non-rotating machine centers;
- (d) rotating said workpiece about an axis;
- and
- (e) machining the workpiece to form a finished part.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.